Staunton involved in gun incident
Monday, 14 August 2006Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton was involved in a serious incident outside the team hotel in Portmarnock tonight.
It is understood a man in his 30s approached Staunton holding a gun, at which point Staunton, 37, promptly turned and fled.
Staunton informed hotel staff of the situation, who in turn contacted local gardaí. The assailant was eventually caught on a nearby beach.
Although no weapon has yet been found, the man, who is believed to have a history of psychiatric problems, was arrested and taken to a nearby station in Malahide.
A statement from the Football Association of Ireland read: 'The FAI can confirm an incident took place outside the Republic of Ireland team hotel in Portmarnock earlier this evening.
'The Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Staunton is absolutely fine and looking forward to training tomorrow.'
A spokesperson for the gardaí confirmed: 'We have one man in custody in relation to an incident that happened in Portmarnock shortly before 8pm.
'He was arrested in the vicinity under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.'
